Analysis and Perspectives

Report on Establishing an American-Staffed Interests Section in Iran

The idea of establishing an American-staffed Interests Section in Iran was first considered by the George W. Bush administration and had the support of then Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. An interests section would be responsible for protecting America’s interests in Iran. It would not, however, be equivalent to the establishment of formal diplomatic relations with Iran.

The report finds that the establishment of a U.S. Interests Section in Iran would greatly advance U.S. national security. The report also highlights the importance of an official U.S. presence to the Iranian American community. An Interests Section would greatly enhance American Citizen Services (ACS) for Americans traveling to Iran.

Report on Iranian American Immigration and Assimilation

The report is the first in a series of three reports that aim to provide more in-depth information about Iranian Americans. The report discusses the three major waves of Iranian immigration to the United States, self-identification of the Iranian American community, and typical benchmarks of assimilation, among other things.

Congressional Scorecards

PAAIA’s biannual Congressional Scorecards rate members of Congress on votes and other positions taken in the House of Representatives and Senate, which affect the Iranian American community. The primary purpose of the Scorecards is to ensure that Iranian Americans are informed about the voting records and performances of their members of Congress. In addition, the Scorecards ensure that members of Congress are aware that their votes and positions on issues of importance to the Iranian American community will be analyzed and made public.

Report on Iran Sanctions

Sanctions have been a major component of U.S. policy towards Iran since 1979, when they were first imposed in response to the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Iran. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview and analysis of current sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, their overall impact on Iran and the impact on the Iranian American community.

The report, built upon PAAIA’s Report on Iran Sanctions Legislation, 111th Congress, published in November 2009, includes a historical summary of U.S. sanctions, an overview of the additional sanctions imposed as well as certain other legislation under consideration during the 112th Congress, and a balanced review of available research assessing the impact of sanctions on achieving desired U.S. policy outcomes.